I had no intention of traveling on Saturday. Carey and I went to the YMCA to walk around the track in the morning. We were talking about life, and the idea came up about going to Starved Rock in the winter. It had been a snowy, freezing drizzle mess all week so I thought it would be a perfect time to go. We could see frozen waterfalls - I suggested that we should just go! Life is too short, you realize this when you get a second chance at it.
What are you waiting for? Why put things off that have been on your adventure list for far too long?
We made the trek to Utica (IL), and decided to go to Matthiessen State Park. We discovered this little gem in the spring when Starved Rock was super crowded. We thought we would just go check out a new place, and ended up falling in love with the views that Matthiessen State Park offers. (Buffalo Rock State Park is also close by and this is on our list for next time).
It was perfect. We hiked to the lower dells and stood in awe at the frozen stalactites that were hanging from the canyon. I just stood taking it all in and looked up to the trees just as it began snowing. It was one of those moments in time that took my breath away. I feel this overwhelming sense of gratitude some days - that I am still here, that my best friend is beside me, and that there is beauty all around me every day if I am just present enough to take in the moment before me.
After climbing the 500 stairs (ok this is a little on the dramatic side, but seriously felt like so many stairs!!) back to the entrance of the park we were famished and I was getting a little on the hangry side. We needed food!! NOW! We were going to stick to something familiar, but thankfully Utica doesn't have many "stick to what you know" options. We found Lodi Taphouse, and this was such an awesome surprise! This place has style - barn wood walls, concrete bar, tin tile on the ceiling, beer bottle light fixtures, and mugs lining the wall for their "mug club" patrons adding an extra element to awesome design. I had the bbq pulled pork sandwich (comes with fries) and an apple cinnamon mead to drink. It was such a great combo. The apple cinnamon mead tasted like a warm hug on a crisp winter day. Seriously. Perfect. We got great service, had the best meal, and got to spend our money locally. We enjoyed Lodi Taphouse so much that I reached out to the manager and they are graciously going to offer 10% off your total if you go and mention this post!
We also wanted to check out a couple places to shop. It was around 3:30 and most of the shops close pretty early (around 4). So we only made it to one place - The Rock and Soul. I added some crystals to my collection. The store had a large variety of stones and they are all handpicked from the owner of the mines they were found in. The store also carries meditation supplies, books, and more.
I really wanted to check out the museum, but they were closed. I also wanted to check out Clark Street Studio and Village Pottery. Also on my list for next visit is FlutterBy Gourmet Popcorn, and renting bikes from Electric Bike Rental, and Clarks Run Antique. Two Girls and a Cupcake have some yummy donuts (they were closed this time around, but we have been there before). They also have a fun bright pink Bigfoot if you are looking for fun photo opportunities. Speaking of fun photo opportunities, Utica also offers a giant chair for all your picture taking needs!
Been to Utica? Would love to know what you enjoyed the most. Leave a comment and let me know!
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